Civic Calm: Managing Election Stress and Civic Engagement

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Student working on a laptop, looking stressed

Are you feeling the stress of election season? You’re not alone! Managing election stress while staying civically engaged can be challenging, but we’ve got just the thing to help.

Civic Calm: Managing Election Stress and Civic Engagement 🧘‍♂️

Join us for an interactive session where we’ll explore:

  • Navigating Political Stressors: Learn how to handle the pressures that come with election season.
  • Coping Strategies: Discover effective ways to manage your mental health during these times.
  • Accessing Mental Health Resources: Find out what resources are available to support you.
  • Healthy Civic Participation: Engage in open discussions and learn how to be an active, informed citizen without the stress.

Event Details 📅

📍 Location: Central Campus, Parr 1000
🕛 Date & Time: Wed., Sept. 11, 12 – 1 p.m.

This event is brought to you by the Department of Counseling Services & Student Engagement. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others, share your thoughts, and learn how to stay balanced during this crucial time.

Don’t miss out on this chance to gain valuable insights and tools for managing election stress. See you there! 🌟

Central Piedmont Community College Student Selected for Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders

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Central Piedmont Community College is proud to announce that Josiah McLean has been selected to participate in the Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Washington, DC, this summer. This achievement is a testament to the strength and potential of our community.Josiah McLean

The Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders is a fully funded enrichment and training program to expand awareness and access to Foreign Service careers for students from underrepresented communities across the United States. This initiative, a collaboration among the Meridian International Center, the Una Chapman Cox Foundation, and Community Colleges for International Development, offers undergraduate students a unique insight into American diplomacy while exploring educational, internship, and career opportunities within the U.S. Foreign Service. The program emphasizes the critical role of Foreign Service Officers. It equips participants with essential soft skills needed for success in a diplomatic career. Fellows will gain a deeper understanding of diplomacy and international affairs through site visits, workshops, and networking opportunities.

The Fellowship was held in Washington, DC, from Sunday, June 23, to Saturday, June 29, 2024. The program’s activities included:

  • a comprehensive U.S. Department of State visit,
  • an immersive two-day diplomatic skills training course,
  • a diplomacy simulation, and
  • panel discussions with U.S. Foreign Service representatives.

Josiah McLean is one of 20 fellows selected from over 450 exceptional applicants. We are thrilled he represented Central Piedmont Community College in Washington, DC. This opportunity for Josiah fills us with hope for the future of our community and the impact he will make on the world stage. “We are incredibly proud of Josiah’s achievement and excited for him to have this opportunity to engage with international affairs and diplomacy at such a prestigious level,” said Teresa Hall, Director of the Center for Global Engagement.

🎓 Employee Spotlight: Eugene Attoube ’16

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Black and white headshot of Eugene Attoube

📢 Meet Eugene Attoube
Academic Advisor | Central Piedmont Alumnus

🤝 “The day starts with students and ends with students.”
This simple yet powerful advice shapes Eugene Attoube’s approach every day in his role as an academic advisor.

🌍 Eugene’s journey with Central Piedmont began in 2014 as a part-time Foreign Language Lab Facilitator. After earning his Associate in Arts degree, he transferred to UNC Charlotte, where he completed a double major in International Studies and Political Science.

💼 Why Central Piedmont?
For Eugene, it’s all about the community. “Central Piedmont is my home,” he shares. His passion for helping students succeed is matched by his dedication to mastering his role and expanding his skills.

✨ Making an Impact
Eugene takes special pride in working with students learning English, cherishing the moments when they return to thank him for his support. He aims to make a lasting impact on his students, just as the faculty and staff did for him.

“Central Piedmont is a leading force in education,” Eugene says. “With a wide array of programs, there’s something for everyone.”

Week of Welcome at Central Piedmont: A Campus-by-Campus Guide! 🎉

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A group of students poses together in front of tents during welcome week activitiesWelcome to a brand-new semester at Central Piedmont! Our Week of Welcome is packed with exciting events across several campuses. Whether you’re new or returning, this is your chance to dive into the campus community, make new friends, and kick off the semester in style. Here’s what’s happening:

Central Campus Events

  • 📅 Mon., Aug. 19: Meet Your Coordinator 🤝
    Meet your Student Engagement Coordinator and win some cool prizes.
    Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Location: Parr Center, First Floor Lobby
  • 📅 Tues., Aug. 20: Coffee, Crafts, & Campus Activities Board (CAB) ☕🎨
    Enjoy coffee, unleash your creativity, and learn about the Campus Activities Board. A perfect opportunity to connect with new friends!
    Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Location: Parr Center, Room 0070
  • 📅 Wed., Aug. 21: Breakfast Bar 🍳🥞
    Join us for pancakes, cereal, fresh fruit, and more!
    Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
    Location: Parr Center, Room 0060
  • 📅 Thurs., Aug. 22: Welcome [Throwback] Fest 🕺💃
    Dress in your best throwback swag and explore the amazing resources Central Campus has to offer. Music, games, and fun await!
    Time: Noon – 2 p.m.
    Location: Parr Center

Harris Campus and City View Events

  • 📅 Mon., Aug. 19: Meet Your Coordinator
    Meet your Student Engagement Coordinator and learn about upcoming events.
    Time: 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    Location: Harris Campus, Harris I, Hallway
  • 📅 Tues., Aug. 20: Student Group Interest 🍩
    Explore student group opportunities while enjoying coffee and donuts. A great way to start your day!
    Time: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
    Location: Harris Campus, Harris I, Hallway
  • 📅 Wed., Aug. 21: City View Yogurt Bar 🍓🍯
    Indulge in some healthy yogurt with fruit and granola while learning about upcoming events.
    Time: Noon – 1:30 p.m.
    Location: City View
  • 📅 Thurs., Aug. 22: Welcome [Throwback] Fest 🕺💃
    Show off your best throwback attire and discover the exciting resources available at Harris Campus. Enjoy music, games, and more!
    Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
    Location: Harris Campus, Harris I, Hallway

Cato Campus Events

  • 📅 Thur., Aug. 15: Breakfast Bar 🍳🥞
    Start your day with a free breakfast! Waffles, cereal, fresh fruit, and more are on the menu.
    Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
    Location: Annable Building, Room 024
  • 📅 Tues., Aug. 20: Rotaract Sip & Craft ☕🛠️
    Interested in community service? Learn about the Rotaract Service Club while enjoying some coffee and crafting.
    Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Location: Annable Atrium
  • 📅 Wed., Aug. 21: Welcome [Throwback] Fest 🕺💃
    Dress up in your favorite throwback outfit and explore everything Cato Campus has to offer. Music, games, and plenty of fun await!
    Time: Noon – 2 p.m.
    Location: Annable Ground Floor

Levine Campus Events

  • 📅 Mon., Aug. 19: Meet Your Coordinator 
    Come meet your Student Engagement Coordinator and win some free swag!
    Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Location: Levine 1 Building Atrium
  • 📅 Tues., Aug. 20: Coffee, Crafts, & Campus Activities Board (CAB) ☕🎨
    Sip on some coffee, get creative with crafts, and learn all about the Campus Activities Board.
    Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Location: Levine 2 Building, Room 1400
  • 📅 Wed., Aug. 21: Welcome [Throwback] Fest 🕺💃
    Throw on your favorite retro attire and check out the awesome resources Levine Campus has to offer. Music, games, and more will be there!
    Time: Noon – 2 p.m.
    Location: Levine 2 Building, First Floor Hallway
  • 📅 Thurs., Aug. 22: Breakfast Bar 🍳🥞
    Start your day with a free breakfast! Waffles, cereal, fresh fruit, and more are on the menu.
    Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
    Location: Levine 2 Building, Room 1400

Get involved, meet new people, and make the most of your time at Central Piedmont! We can’t wait to see you at Week of Welcome activities! 🎉

A Summer of STEM Success at Central Piedmont! 🚀

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Two students presenting their postersThis summer, 70 Central Piedmont students completed the Honeywell STEM Prep Program! 🌟 Designed for 10th-12th graders, this program provided a hands-on, project-based experience to gear up for college-level STEM courses.

🌐 What They Did:

  • Diving into STEM: Students tackled math and a second class tailored to their interests—whether in science, technology, or engineering. 🧪💻🔧
  • Prepping for College: The program was all about getting these future stars ready for the challenges of college-level STEM. 🎯

🎓 What’s Next:

  • Full-Time Enrollment: Many of our 12th graders will be joining Central Piedmont full-time this fall! 📚
  • Dual Enrollment: Several 10th and 11th graders are planning to dual enroll, continuing their STEM journey with us. 🔗

🌟 Special Recognition:

  • Honeywell Scholars: Nicholas Wind-McJetters and Amariah Robinson represented Central Piedmont at UNC Charlotte’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Their poster presentations on July 26 were a huge hit! 🎉🎓

🙌 Thank You, Team!

A huge shoutout to our fantastic instructors—Dr. Carl Arrington, Samantha Carter, Tony Stanford, Sydney Baltimore, and Lauren Burgess—who made this summer unforgettable! 👏 And a big thanks to our amazing peer mentors—Merit Chukwukere, Mariam Idris, Yao Djaka, Kebron Mamo, Ashe Garrett, Joseph Posa-Mejia, and our coordinator Nekeitrius Davis. You all rock! 🌟

August Hiring Events

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Students talking to employers at a hiring event Looking to connect with top employers in the Charlotte area? Here’s your chance to explore open employment and internship positions! Check out these upcoming events on Central Campus and see what positions are available.

Upcoming Career Events 🎯

1. 🗓️ Wednesday, Aug. 21, 10am-1pm
📍 Location: Central Campus – Parr Center, First Floor
🔗 Event Details

Attending Employers:

2. 🗓️ Wednesday, Aug. 28, 10am-1pm
📍 Location: Central Campus – Parr Center, First Floor
🔗 Event Details

Attending Employers:

Check out the full list of upcoming career events on the Career Services Events Page. There’s something for everyone!

Need Help Preparing? 📝

If you need assistance getting ready for these events, Career Services has your back! Reach out at career.services@cpcc.edu or schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor through Handshake. Counselors are available virtually and at all campuses. You can also drop by the new Career Center (Central Campus, CH 206) during drop-in hours, Mon. through Fri., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities to jumpstart your career! 🌟

🎓 Get Ready to Make That Major Decision! 🎓

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Two women talking at a career services event

Feeling a little lost when it comes to choosing your major? 🤔 Don’t stress—Central Piedmont’s Career Services is here to help you navigate this big decision!

How to Get Started 🚀

1. Make an Appointment with a Career Counselor 🗓️

  • Schedule a session with one of our friendly career counselors through Handshake.
  • Counselors are available both in-person at every campus and virtually, so you can choose the option that works best for you!

2. Explore the “Choosing a Program of Study” Page 🖥️

  • Visit our Choosing a Program of Study page to explore different majors and narrow down your options.
  • This resource is packed with tips and steps to help you make an informed decision about your career path.

Need More Help? 🤝

For any questions or additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Career Services at career.services@cpcc.edu or give us a call at 704-330-6551. We’re here to guide you every step of the way! 🎉

Choosing your major is a big step, but with the right resources and support, you can make the decision with confidence. Let’s get started on your journey today! 🌟

Welcome to the New Semester! 🎉

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Three smiling students hold fancy popsicles.We’re so excited to have you at Central Piedmont! Here’s some essential info to help you kick off the semester successfully: 

🚌 Plan Your Way to Campus

  • Bus/Rail: Use the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). Download the CATS-Pass app or visit their website. 
  • Driving: 
    • Check campus parking maps. 
    • Park only in Central Piedmont decks/lots (local businesses tow strictly). 
    • Get your parking decal at the Cashiering and Business office (tuition must be paid). 
    • Arrive early during the first week to find parking and navigate the campus. 🚶‍♂️🚴‍♀️ 

📅 Learn Your Schedule & Campus Locations 

💻 Brightspace for Online Classes 

🗺 Can’t Find Your Class? 

  • Look for pop-up Information Tables, available at all campuses:
    • Aug. 12-13: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • Aug. 14: 5 – 6 p.m. 

📚 Get Textbooks and Course Materials 

  • Visit Central Piedmont campus stores or shop online (free shipping on orders over $50). 
  • Use Smart Lockers at Harper, Harris, and Merancas Campuses for online purchases. 
  • Watch for emails from Follett, RedShelf, and BryteWave for digital materials included in the Follett ACCESS program. 

🍽 Hungry On Campus? 

  • Vending and microwaves on all campuses. 
  • Central, Cato, and Levine Campuses have coffee and sandwich locations (Mon. – Fri., 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.). 

📢 Stay Informed 

🆘 We’re Here to Help 

Have a great semester! 🎓 

Three Keys to a Great Start at Central Piedmont! 🚀

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Student using a computerReady to crush your first semester at Central Piedmont? Join our 30-minute virtual sessions designed for new students like you, and we’ll cover all the basics to make your college journey smoother.

What’s On the Agenda:

  • 📚 How to Read a Class Syllabus: Decode your course requirements.
  • 🖥️ Navigating Brightspace: Master our online learning platform.
  • 💸 Purchasing Textbooks with Financial Aid: Learn how to snag your books using financial aid.

When and Where:

  • All sessions are online via Microsoft Teams. Here are the dates and times:

These sessions are quick, super helpful, and the perfect way to kick off your semester with confidence. See you there! 🎉

Elizabeth Stabler-Tarver: Ready for the Real World

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Elizabeth Stabler-Tarver headshot🌟 Elizabeth Stabler-Tarver is an incoming 2024 East Mecklenburg High graduate and dual-enrollment student at Central Piedmont. She is pursuing an Associate in Arts and plans to transfer to UNC Chapel Hill to major in Psychology, focusing on music therapy.

Current Employment:

  • 🎨 Works as a face painter at Bank of America Stadium, primarily on weekends.

Community Service:

  • 🌍 Participates in the Youth Lead Advisory Board and CMYC Student Advisory Council, focusing on civic leadership and community improvement.

Educational and Career Goals:

  • 🎓 Aims to become a therapist/psychologist specializing in mental health for youth.
  • 💡 A scholarship will help her take essential courses and collaborate with mental health professionals.

High School Achievements:

  • 🏅 Top 3% of her graduating class.
  • 📜 Received multiple accolades, including AP Scholar awards and recognition as The Charlotte Post Top Senior Runner-up.
  • 🏫 Active in National Honor Society, Student Government, and major school events.

Future Plans:

  • 🔄 Guaranteed transfer to UNC Chapel Hill through the C-STEP Program.

Elizabeth’s dedication and passion for mental health make her a standout student at Central Piedmont and a promising future therapist.

🔗 Learn more about Elizabeth’s journey and aspirations via her feature in the Charlotte Post.

Don’t Forget: Enrollment Q&A Sessions Still Available

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An employer speaks with a student after a panel.Education is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor, and Central Piedmont offers a variety of options to help you achieve your goals. The type of student you are dictates the enrollment steps you need to complete during the admission process, and we want to ensure you have all the resources you need to complete those steps quickly. So, we’re offering 30-minute virtual Q&A sessions dedicated to navigating the enrollment process. ✨

What We’ll Cover:

  • 📋 Step-by-step walkthrough of the enrollment process
  • ❓ Q&A to address any of your concerns
  • 🔗 Resources to get you started on the right foot

Choose a Date and Time:

Don’t miss out on these helpful sessions! 🌟 Let’s make your enrollment process smooth and stress-free. See you there! 😊👋

Congratulations to Our Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 ACA Scholarship Winners

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A group of student winners standing in front of a projector screen, holding certificates🎉 Central Piedmont proudly announces the winners of the ACA Scholarship for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024! Each semester, seven exceptional students are awarded $600 each for their resilience and dedication.

About the Scholarship:

  • The ACA Scholarship is part of the Academic Related Courses (ACA) area.
  • To apply, students wrote essays answering: “Being resilient (the ability to recover quickly from difficult conditions) is a life skill that we often do not recognize. How have you been resilient in your journey as a community college student, and what does this journey look like?”
  • Applicants were evaluated on their eligibility and the quality of their essays.

📚 Fall 2023 Winners:

  • Yaretzhy Melo-Garcia
  • Lori Jenrette
  • Jaclyn Muckey
  • Sandra Tomas
  • Nandipa Kuuya
  • Maramawit Teketel
  • Thuy Pham

📚 Spring 2024 Winners:

  • Momoko Ozaki
  • Elise Ramirez
  • Samantha Stone
  • David Kushnir
  • Nicolas Golafshan
  • Preshonna Stowe
  • Aayush Niroula

Learn more about the ACA Scholarship and read the winners’ essays on our website.

Congratulations to all our winners! Keep striving and achieving! 🌟

HUB Program Reconnects Alumna to Central Piedmont

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Three people standing in front of GRITS red food truck🍴 Central Piedmont recently hosted its first “Chat, Sip, and Chew” event, bringing Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) specializing in culinary and food services to campus to meet with faculty and staff.

Event Highlights:

  • 24 vendors showcased their businesses and potential partnerships.
  • Jorieka Downey, a 2014 Central Piedmont alumna, was one of the vendors. She shared her inspiring journey of overcoming obstacles to build her successful food truck and catering business, G.R.I.T.S. CLT.

Downey’s Journey:

  • Education: Enrolled in Central Piedmont’s culinary program while juggling two jobs and raising three children.
  • Challenges: Worked third shift, attended classes, and balanced family life.
  • Career Start: Gained experience at Compass Group and formed a crucial business partnership.
  • Business Growth: Started as a caterer, gained popularity at events like the 2019 NBA All-Star Game and the CIAA Basketball Tournament.
  • Viral Success: Went viral with a stuffed turkey leg, garnering over 30,000 views on social media.
  • Celebrity Catering: Catered for concerts featuring Busta Rhymes, 112, Marsha Ambrosius, and more.

Overcoming COVID Challenges:

  • Despite setbacks, Downey used her savings, loans, and grants to purchase her food truck.
  • Awards: Won “Charlotte’s Best Black-owned Food Truck” competition in 2022, judged by notable figures like Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and Congresswoman Alma Adams.

Resilience and Advice:

  • Setback: Faced a fire that damaged her food truck but continues to persevere.
  • Encouragement: “Stay in it,” Downey advised Central Piedmont students. “If it’s your goal or passion, you have to give it your all. Put your best foot in and never give up.” 🌟

Lowe’s Foundation Awards $1 Million Grant to Central Piedmont’s Skilled Trades Program

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The Lowe's Foundation Announces $50 Million Gable Grants Program to Help Meet Growing Demand for Skilled Tradespeople | Lowe’s Corporate (lowes.com). Central Piedmont requested $1 million as one of only two community colleges in the nation as part of this cohort to receive that amount. We are committing to provide 500 skilled trades certifications over the next two years for entry-level positions in the construction field as part of Lowe's $50 million Gable Grants program to "help meet growing demand for skilled tradespeople" over the next five years (2023-2027). In addition, we will invest in renovations in Harper I and Lowe's Foundation Learning Labs that will be located throughout the County for broader reach and easy access to provide certifications. 

🛠️ Lowe’s Foundation has awarded a $1 million Gable Grant to Central Piedmont to bolster its skilled trades certifications, expand its reach in Mecklenburg County, and undertake renovations at Harper Campus.

Grant Highlights:

  • Central Piedmont is one of just 11 community colleges nationwide to receive this grant this year.
  • The grant will increase educational opportunities for students pursuing construction-related certifications.
  • Renovations include updating lab spaces and introducing mobile learning cottages to various campuses and communities, eliminating transportation barriers.

Program Enhancements:

  • The mobile learning cottages will offer training in construction, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing throughout Charlotte.
  • This initiative is part of Lowe’s Foundation’s $50 million commitment over five years to prepare 50,000 people for skilled trades careers.

Quotes: “Construction and the skilled trades have been part of Central Piedmont’s program offerings since the college opened its doors almost 61 years ago. Our students learn quickly that these are versatile, high-demand careers with endless opportunities for growth and advancement,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. “We are so appreciative of this generous grant from the Lowe’s Foundation. Central Piedmont places a high priority on producing skilled trades professionals who can hit the ground running. We thank the Lowe’s Foundation for partnering with us to help meet a critical need in the Charlotte region.”

Skilled Trade Programs Offered at Central Piedmont:

  • Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration ❄️🔥
  • Construction and Construction Management 🏗️
  • Electrical Systems ⚡
  • Non-destructive Examination 🔍
  • Sustainability Technologies 🌱
  • Utilities and Clean Energy 🔋
  • Welding 🔧

Students can pursue degrees, diplomas, or certificates in these fields, with some accelerated programs offered at no cost.

🔗 For more information about Central Piedmont’s skilled trades programs, visit our website.

Dining Options at Central Piedmont: Fuel for Your Day

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Catalyst Coffee Bar, Harris Campus🍽️ Central Piedmont offers a variety of dining options across all six campuses. Enjoy full-service coffee bars, grab-and-go lunch stations, sandwich shops, breakfast/lunch spots, and more—all cashless. 💳

Need to Use Cash?

  • Purchase vouchers at the Cashiering Business Office on any campus.

Where to Find Food Services:

  • Cato, Central, and Levine Campuses: Full food services available.
  • All Campuses: Coffee bars and grab-and-go lunch stations ☕🥪

Vending Machines:

  • Available at all campuses with snacks, drinks, and microwaveable foods. No need to be hungry! 🍫🥤

Catering Services:

  • Our dining team now offers catering to fit any audience. Request a consultation to tailor your event. Internal and external customers welcome. No event is too small or too large. You won’t be disappointed! 🎉

📅 Review food service menus, locations, and hours.

Campus Stores: Your One-Stop Shop for Everything

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bookstore

🛍️ Central Piedmont Campus Stores are here to serve you! Physical stores are located on Central, Cato, and Levine Campuses, plus, enjoy the convenience of smart lockers at Harris, Harper, and Merancas Campuses for easy delivery.

Why Visit Our Campus Stores?

  • More than just books: Grab your coffee, drinks, snacks, and food options! ☕🍫
  • Free shipping on orders over $50! 🚚✨
  • Use your Financial Aid to shop with ease.

📅 Fall Hours:

  • Jul 29 – Aug 9 (Mon – Fri): 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Aug 10 (Sat): 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Aug 12 – 16 (Mon – Fri): 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Aug 17 (Sat): 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Starting Aug 19 (Mon – Fri): 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

📍 Visit us online to read more about our locations and services.

Navigating College Finances at Central Piedmont

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Understanding how to manage college finances is crucial as you start thinking about your future education. Here’s a guide to help you navigate payment due dates, financial aid, FAFSA, scholarships, and tuition payment plans. Classes start August 12!

student aid

Payment Due Dates

College tuition and fees must be paid by specific deadlines. For example, fall tuition and fees at Central Piedmont are due by Monday, July 29. If you don’t make a payment or arrange a payment plan by this date, your classes will be dropped. Mark your calendar and plan to avoid missing deadlines.

Financial Aid

Financial aid can make college more affordable. It includes grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. Here’s how to get started:

Completing the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your eligibility for federal financial aid. Complete the FAFSA every academic year to see how much aid you can get. Central Piedmont’s FAFSA code is 002915.

Scholarships

Scholarships are a fantastic way to reduce college costs. Central Piedmont offers over $3 million in scholarships. Here’s how you can apply:

  1. Search and Apply: Use the Central Piedmont scholarship portal to find and apply for scholarships.
  2. Meet Requirements: Most scholarships require a minimum GPA of 2.0 or 2.5. Ensure you are enrolled in a certificate, diploma, or degree program at Central Piedmont.
  3. Submit Essays: Many scholarship applications include essay questions about your educational and career goals. Write and proofread your answers carefully.

Next NC Scholarship

The Next NC Scholarship is a financial aid program that helps most North Carolinians from households making $80,000 or less pursue higher education by fully covering tuition and fees at any community college or more than half, if not all, of tuition and fees to attend any public college in the state. The best part? It’s money that doesn’t have to be repaid.

It combines the federal Pell Grant with the state-funded financial aid program to form a simplified and predictable scholarship award that is easier to understand. It makes education more affordable so more North Carolinians can pursue a degree.

Key Features of the Next NC Scholarship:

  • Tuition-Free Degree: Qualifying community college students will receive at least $3,000, covering 100% of tuition and fees at any of the 58 North Carolina community colleges.
  • Simple Application: Just submit the FAFSA form. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive the Next NC Scholarship without any additional forms. The priority filing date for NC community colleges is August 15, 2024.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • A North Carolina resident who is eligible for in-state tuition
  • A high school graduate (or high school equivalency completer)
  • From a household with an annual Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less
  • Enrolled in an eligible undergraduate curriculum program for the 2024-2025 academic year
  • Taking at least 6 credit hours per semester (part-time students will receive a partial award)
  • Meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards of the school you plan to attend
  • A student who has completed the 2024-2025 FAFSA with a resulting Student Aid Index (SAI) at or below 7,500

Tuition Payment Plan

A tuition payment plan is a good option if you can’t pay your tuition in full by the deadline. Central Piedmont offers a plan to pay in smaller amounts over time without interest or credit checks. Here’s how it works:

  1. Enroll Online: Sign up for the payment plan through the Central Piedmont portal.
  2. Down Payment: Pay a portion of your tuition upfront, plus a small enrollment fee.
  3. Monthly Payments: Your remaining tuition is divided into monthly payments, automatically drafted from your account.

Key Tips

  • Stay Organized: Keep track of all deadlines and required documents.
  • Apply Early: To increase your chances of receiving financial aid and scholarships, apply as early as possible.
  • Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from financial aid counselors if you have questions.

Starting early and staying informed will help you manage college finances and focus on your education. Good luck!

Central Piedmont Earns 10-Year Reaffirmation of Accreditation 🎓🌟

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The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has reaffirmed the accreditation of Central Piedmont! 🎉 This 10-year reaffirmation follows thorough off-site and on-site reviews of the college and its academic programs.

What This Means:

  • Central Piedmont and its academic programs remain fully accredited 🌟
  • Official notice of reaffirmation received on Jul 1 📅
  • Next reaffirmation process will be in 2033-34 🗓️

Drone aerial photography, Merancas Campus, fall and autumn colors

Compliance: To maintain accreditation, an institution must comply with the standards in the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement and with the policies and procedures of the commission.

Accreditation Significance:

  1. 🎯 Mission: The institution has a mission appropriate to higher education.
  2. 💪 Resources: It has the resources, programs, and services to accomplish and sustain that mission.
  3. 🎓 Educational Objectives: It maintains clear educational objectives consistent with its mission and appropriate to the degrees it offers, ensuring success in achieving its stated objectives.

Central Piedmont’s reaffirmation is a testament to its commitment to excellence in education! 🎓📚

Central Piedmont Students Receive Tool Sets and Cash Supplements Thanks to Faison Enterprises Grant 🎉🛠️

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Thanks to a generous grant from Faison Enterprises, Inc., 70 Central Piedmont students in the Construction Management, Electrical Systems Technology, and Welding programs received tool sets valued at nearly $500 to help jump-start their careers.

Tool Sets Include:

Backpacks of tools provided to Central Piedmont students by Faison

  •  🥽 Safety glasses
  • 🪖 Helmets
  • 📏 Measuring tapes
  • 🎒 Backpacks
  • 🌟 And more!

Central Piedmont instructors handpicked the tools to ensure they are perfect for students beginning their careers.

💵 Each student also received a $750 cash supplement to use as they need for their academic and career journey.

📣 Student Reactions:

  • “This is an amazing gift,” said Colton Droke, an Electrical Systems Technology student. “I didn’t have the money to afford something like this. I’ve been using my grandfather’s toolbox, which is more like a tackle box, and a variety of hand-me-down tools. I’ll use this every day.” 🥳
  • “This will help me immediately,” added Farris Robertson, a dual enrollment student studying carpentry. “I’m very grateful because I would have had to purchase this out of my own pocket, and now I can use that money elsewhere.” 🙌

Community Impact: “Faison is very excited to partner with Central Piedmont and launch this pilot program,” said Kris Fetter, President and CEO of Faison. “Central Piedmont is such an important institution serving the Charlotte community. We want these students to receive the best education in these fields of study so they can enter the workforce and have a productive, meaningful career.”

Central Piedmont Launches High School Instructor Certificate Program 🎓📝

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Teaching Central Piedmont studentsCentral Piedmont is excited to announce a new opportunity for bachelor’s degree graduates who aspire to teach part-time in North Carolina high schools.

Program Highlights:

  • Certificate Program: The High School Adjunct Instructor certificate program focuses on developing the general pedagogy and competencies needed to teach in public high schools.
  • Coursework Includes:
    • Classroom management and pedagogy
    • Effective instructional methods
    • Foundations of education
    • Educational technology
    • And more!
  • Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Application: Apply through the College Foundation of North Carolina website

Contact Information: For more details, reach out to Jennifer Perkins, Program Chair of K-12 Education.

📞 “As a provider of K-12 teacher preparation programs, Central Piedmont can impact the current teaching shortage in the Charlotte region and across North Carolina,” Perkins said. “The high school adjunct instructor certificate program is a direct path to prepare those interested in teaching part-time by providing the coursework and support to be successful in a high school classroom.”

Join us in shaping the future of education! 🌟📚